At the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) in Montgomery, Alabama, 13 different administrative law judges (ALJ) conduct Social Security Disability (SSD) hearings and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) hearings. Currently, in Montgomery, the average wait time for a SSI or SSD hearing is 15.0 months. The average case processing time in Montgomery is 490 days.The Montgomery average for winning a SSI or SSD disibility hearing is 49%. Click on the name of one of the ALJs below to see detailed information about their hearing results. This information for the Montgomery ODAR office was last updated on 9/7/2016.

LATEST COMMENTS
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To whom it may concern,
In my Herat of hearts I believe the judge did not take the time to see the BIG PICTURE. I'm in need and feeling hopeless and helpless. Back in April 2014 was my first denial. Then another, then I went before the judge. That time I had a lawyer that I never spoke with or had any communication till 5 minutes before my hearing. I went in and then another denial. My denial said because I was seeing a PA instead of a DR that a PA are not qualified enough and many more things. I have PTSD due to being beaten and molested starting at age 4. I have flashbacks all the time. I have severe depression and it's hard to leave my house, she also gave no weight to my therapist saying how bad of shape I'm in and can't work. In 2013 is when I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. From then I tried to work another full year, in which I had to quit due to my pain, and my depression. Then I was diagnosed with very high bp, high cholesterol, gout, carpal tunnel and arthritis in my hands which makes it so I can't open or carry anything. If we leave the house I need to take an electric scooter because I can only walk for a few minutes. At home I need to put my feet above heart level several times a day due to all my swelling. How could I possibly work when I need to do this? Not to mention if I have to type or text I can only do it with one finger. I am now considered to be morbidly obese because I can barely walk due to the fibromyalgia, and my hypothyroidism. I can only sit or stand for just a few minutes st a time. Because I can't work and I don't have any money from disability, my pain has worsened and I continue to gain weight. I have gone from about 20 pills a day to about 4 because I have no money. I have been through repeated withdrawals. And to add to all of this I now have diabetes. So my day consist of laying around in pain and crying. Since I had to leave my job I've lost my car, I've come close to losing my house several times. We've had to max out credit cards for food and my meds. I would prefer to be working and making money instead of fighting like crazy trying to get a disability check of a big whopping $430 a month. I couldn't in a million years know a person that would quit their job to sit at home for that amount. My work credits are going to expire and I don't have time to start all over. My case in at the appeals council for review. I did qualify for them to expedite my case, however that's not gonna help me and my family if I get another denial. I need help, we need help. So many people deserve it and are denied. From what I read my judge denies most of her cases. I am in support groups for fibromyalgia. I've met many women who were approved with just fibromyalgia with seeing a PA and having no other diagnosis. And we're approved in the same building I was denied. How can cases be on a pick and choose basis? I have no more fight left in me. After my denial by the judge, I was close to suicide. I'm not sure how I can handle another denial. I'm hurting and I'm desperate. I can't even afford to see my PA anymore. Someone has got to please look over my case and to be a little more human when they are reviewing a case. Not everyone is looking to screw the system and live off of a few bucks. When my credits expire I'm done I can't do anything else. This appeal is my last chance. I just can't keep being a burden to my husband and my adult kids. I just don't know what else to say but please help me. I've sent letters to my congressman and to the mayors office, the governor, and to the Division of Disability Determination. I know there are tons of cases waiting to be reviewed, I'm not better or more deserving, im just a person in a lot of pain who's work credits are going to expire. I need a miracle! A fully favorable decision. Can't someone somewhere help???
Like maybe my denial judge..
Angela L Neel
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Desperately yours,
N S
Sent from my iPad

I grew up with Walter. He was always an ***hole!!! He was then, and obviously the that hasnt changed one bit!! He is a little older than me. I was friends with his little brother. When he came home on pass from the military, he would frown down at us. He treated us very poorly!! Instead of imparting wisdom on us, he merely frowned down at us! He will ALWAYS be a "Uncle Tom", in my book!!

Judge Barnett Jefferson was the judge on my daughters case she held out on making a decision over two years and wasn't even concerned with the problems with my daughter and her disabling conditions she was more concerned about my religion where I worship and my faith when I stated that I was Jewish she immediately changed her tone and acted very different towards me during the rest of the hearing she also took about 3 months before she made the decision after the hearing. I thought this was the last time that I would have to deal with her; however I have another daughter who is also disabled and she pulled her case for review after I submitted paperwork after my other daughter denial stating she discriminated against me during my daughters hearing; so now that I know that she is the Judge on this case I feel that there is some type of retaliation towards me or persecution toward me because I submitted paperwork requesting a telephone hearing several times and ALL my requests were ignored no responses al all; the day before the hearing I finally get her assistant Shaun Johnson on the phone who said I needed to submit medical records stating I couldn't come to the hearing before she grant me a telephone hearing; I never heard anything back from her and called again the afternoon before the hearing and was told she deny a telephone hearing and she denied it even after I submitted paperwork from a hospital saying I was injured from a fall. This woman has serious issues toward African American women/mothers and people of different faith or religion. She is not empathetic at all she has "NO Emotions" or care towards Disabling children. I can't believe that she is allowed to make any decisions on any type cases with her attitude demeanor and deceiving looks. I want her to know I am not afraid of her and that I am pursuing religion discrimination against her not just for myself or daughter but for others. Also I want her to know that she will one day have to answer to a higher Power than herself (God Almighty Jehovah GOD of Israel) for her mistreatment and hatred towards others of different faith and people of color. I don't know what have happened to her to dislike her own people but obviously something is wrong with her and she needs to be examined by a psychologist. I hope and pray that she will find it in her heart to repent before she is JUDGED. I can't wait until she meet her MAKER!

Sorry excuse of a judge... appears not to be concerned did not listen got attitude with attorney.. if you get him plan on filing with appeals council and file a complaint against him...maybe he will have a disability himself so he can see how it feels

This man is corrupt, He denied me and did not even look at all my medical records. I appealed this myself with no lawyer and won my appeal. I am being sent right back to this snake again. i will next take it to federal court if he doesit again, So please, if you get this judge prepare to be denied even if you are paralized from the neck down.

I had my Disability hearing in July of 2016 with Judge Klinger presiding. It took less than 4 weeks before I received notification of a fully favorable ruling. Thank you Judge Klinger and your staff for a decision that will help me receive the resources that will improve the quality of my life from this point forward.
God Bless you and your family!

Do not know what my cases outcome will be, however these judges should really think about what all people must go through, hardships, pain and suffering, before they appear before them. I was on disability from age 22-27. I was awarded my disability without having to appeal, the FIRST time i applied. Disability did a "review" and in their opinion, i was magically better, so my benefits stopped. I have fought that decision to no avail, i lost. I have reapplied, secured an attorney, and i have went to my odar hearing with judge Walter Lassiter. My attorney even cringed at this judge! She wanted me to concede my case and simply reapply! She did not want to have to go before this judge at all. I haven't came this far for nothing! The VE, Judge both agreed that i can never be "a contributing member of the workforce" and despite Ssa doctors giving ssa the report that i cannot work, i was STILL denied, which is what has brought me to this waiting period. All i can do is grit my teeth and pray for the best. After all, i have 10+ years of social security's doctors records that concur.....I'm mentally disabled.....stop fighting me ssa

Is more concerned about his rating than anything...Dr. info and ssi doc along with voc rehab.. in agreement but he is not concerned...at all more concerned about rating was contacted about filing a complaint but attorney said it would cause me problems because system is not fair and coruption is in system like all parts of goverment just keep fighting but he has not lost everything he has worked for denied because I am educated ...what goes around comes around..

Judge Deat,
Yes i am a Christian. Yes i do have a Good mind. The info that you Gave me will be used to prove my point with the Va and gives me The Truth of what they have done to me over the last 9+ years. If you knew what i went thru to just get the meds. They refuse to grant me that alone. There lies with what i wanted show them Prof of what is going on. You need to look up ptsd with Dystonia. I would show you 90% of what i brought to the table was totally right. Now this gives me what i need To know for myself and to push on. It is not right for Good men to have to do to get understood. I Thank you. I got exactly what i needed. That alone shows he pick a good man to be a judge.

I just had hearing with judge South I was denied I have choric pain in legs back also neck I use a crane to walk also stomach ucle and bad headaches this judge is so not Fair I have no income what so every I don't no how unfair people sleep at night just unfair! I am on different pills that makes me sleep others help me this is not Right no God in this judge .

My family and I had a difficult time with the SSA process and procedures. Judge Neel was patient and helpful. Judge Neel ultimately saved a great deal of time for our family while following proper procedures. She was a guiding light that is a great asset to the SSA. Thanks Judge!

Judge was very fair. I was helping my father with the very arduous task of navigating the world of SSA. Judge gave a great deal of help. She was fair, ethical and ultimately had great impact with our family situation. I'm glad my tax dollars are going towards this caliber of administration.

I was so blessed and grateful to have Judge Johnson hear my case. As soon as I walked into the court room , he dismissed the Vocational Specialist. He stated this case will be very quick and won't take no more than 10 minutes. He only asked me 1 question regarding my condition and said my doctors documentation was sufficient enough for him. He really showed alot of concern for me and my health. It took me exactally 20 months to get a hearing, but after today , April 5, 2016, I can truthfully say after having Judge Paul Johnson hear my case.......it was worth the wait. Thank s to God for seeing me thru during this long ordeal, thanks to my representative for her countless hours of hard and thanks to Judge Johnson for hearing my case and approving it in the same day. All SMILES

ALJ McGrath went above and beyond recently, and by his efforts, allowed my client her hearing when there had been a serious miscommunication regarding my client's file (it had been sent to another hearing office by mistake, and the hearing cancelled - all without notice to myself or my client). Another ALJ might have shrugged their shoulders and said nothing could be done, so sorry; ALJ McGrath instead tracked the file down, had it sent back to North, and worked the hearing into his already scheduled docket. While we are still awaiting results, we are grateful to have been able to conduct the hearing as we had planned, especially since my client traveled from TN to Athens for the hearing. Thank you Judge McGrath!

One word - HORRIBLE!!! He treated me with no respect and acted as if I were lying to him despite the fact that all of my medical records supported my conditions. After I refiled and got a competent Judge, I was approved WITHOUT going to court!!! Speaks volumes!!

This Judge is very smug and acts as if she has something to prove. She has no empathy and wore a smirk during her hearing. She gave no credit to my treating physicians and all the credit to physicians reviewing my case that I'd never met. Unfortunately, it took over a YEAR to get a decision in my case and of course, she denied it. It is currently on appeal in Washington. She is a poor excuse for a Judge.

I have applied Judge Martin decision it has been 15 months now. I have both been approved for my government civilian disability and student federal loan disability but can not get social security. My doctor has writing down that I'm disability but no social security. I hope to GOD I will get it soon. It has been hard now i can't afford my medical and doctors.

It has been over 3 years I have was denied. I have been approved by the government disabled from my civilian job.I also got approved for my student loan for the federal aid department. But Judge Martin denied I don't why.

Very kind judge -- took away all of the fear because of his understanding, questions, and time to speak. I went without an attorney and it seemed to go well. I really felt like he "heard me." I still have not received the results -- but feel sure that he will do what is "right." Thank you Judge Watson.

Judge Lassiter, I hadn't heard about how tough you were. I was so nervous because I'd been denied many times before. But you couldn't have been any nicer, more respectful, or compassionate. What people say is true, you are tough and to the point and let us not talk about your poker face...lol. You listen, you read, then you question and wead out the bs but you want what's best for the claimant. Thank you for your approval!!

I pray Judge Intoccoa see this post. My sick sister (Cherrie Stinson) had her hearing on August 19, 2015. The Judge told her she would know his decision within 8 weeks. Today is Ovtober 22, 2015 and she still doesn't know anything. She has triplet boys (ages 9) and they have recieved an eviction notice from public housing. Her lights will be turned off next week. I'm really worried about her severe health and her poor mental state!! Someone PLEASE help!!

Apparently only good comments are allowed here. So I will see how wonderful it was to have our claim denied by this so called judge. She is a member of the greediest generation and must have had too many approvals and was told to deny a 100% VA rated disabled vet so she could have money for her time share in Florida.
She is not fair. She is not compassionate. I can say with the kindness at the bottom of my heart that if you get this person for your case you might as well get ready to be denied.

VERY compassionate and nice ALJ - really listens to claimant's and reps and wants to make the correct decision if the medical evidence and SSA Regulations provide for a finding of disability. I have appeared in front of Judge Guice mny ties and she is always fair.

He was very kind to me, after being denied twice in the past, and he approved me with very few questions at the hearing. He is a fair judge and a good person. I do think he wants to help people and shows compassion. He had really read my records, was knowledgable about my situation and had a few questions about things. He's smarter than the other two judges I saw. Do Not Lie To Him. My lawyer advised me be as honest as I could possibly be even if it makes me look bad as being lied to or omitting things is his thing that really pisses him off. He does ask provoking questions that you may not like answering, but answer them honestly anyway. I did and I was approved, and my answers were a little embarrassing. We don't apply for disability because we're well. Good luck!

I went before Judge Neel in April of 2015 in Tampa. I had a very high-paying career but unfortunately I have been unable to work since March of 2011. My medical bills are frequent and high, and I am on or have been on nearly a dozen medications. Some days it is a severe struggle just to exist.
I was rapidly losing hope of receiving the assistance I need. When I received the notification of my hearing and that I was going before Judge Neel, I knew almost nothing about her except her record. In person I found Judge Neel to be extremely attentive, very compassionate, truly fair, and she seemed genuinely interested in my well-being. She told me that she wanted me to take proper care of myself and to improve my eating habits and to try and find a way to get in some exercise: all very excellent advice.
Judge Neel clearly takes her position as a guardian of the SSDI trust very seriously, and I was extremely gratified that she issued a fully favorable ruling in my case. Judge Neel may not realize it, but because of her compassion for my disabilities and her willingness to help me, she is not only helping me to manage my issues, but she is helping the tremendous burden that my condition places on my family.
Thank you, Judge Neel.

Thank you judge very considerate of you i think in a future the medical disability and regular social security go a find a judicial balance find a benefit monitor system and a govrment cumpliment for file all debt benefit and work in a work and handicap person and is a great balance constitutional service Federal and a Human rigth for a people like me life situations diferent all days and this irs tax service evaluation beside social security system go protect a person if all days politic trade change a Federal Goverment in dificulty process i know in my case you go find a serious anticorruption process and a special investigstion alternative for benefit América and present a true of a benefit and eliminate a danger metod of a true evaluation handicap situation is not a finish and in this moment we have future sincerily for continue for service a World and usa and equal rigths and recive just benefits for a situation provocate i stay in disability and other joke i explain my word in my case i trust your and me amd whithe house obtain a legal and greate Federal funds for social security buisness in usa and a World thank for your capacity understand me and belive my obtion in those times

Judge Mr. Casher was understanding . Mr. Casher made me feel very comfortable during my recent hearing . Also Judge Mr. Casher was VERY concerned and also VERY fair with his decision with my hearing case and files .

My daughter's disability benefits has been stopped,thanks to Judge Dent. I am on disability,and, cannot support myself and my daughter. She was also denied Medicaid.This Judge Dent has ruined many people's lives,from what I have been told. We will fight this to the end.

ROBE-ITIS or Inferiority Complex?!?!?! This woman was excellent as an Attorney Advisor (and I do not use the word 'excellent' lightly) but they gave her a robe and she turned into a different person (and that's putting it nicely). Not only does she not make sound decisions, she delays her 'Unfavorables' putting Claimants at a MAJOR disadvantage when it comes to DLIs and AC decisions. Something must be done. Sadly, she is a complete disaster as a judge.

Is there a NEGATIVE RATING????
The only reasonable thing a Claimant and/or a Representative can ask for in a Disability Hearing is that the ALJ be fair - Lassiter is NOT fair. As a matter of fact, he has admitted (off the record, of course) that he 'does not believe in the system' and that he desires to be the lowest paying ALJ. This attitude begs the question, WHY are you behind the bench? When you accepted the job, you knew it was to the a disability ALJ not a District Court Judge (Criminal or Civil) - so...if you are this disgruntled, PLEASE do everyone a favor, including yourself, and do something else!!! Good Bye and Good Luck!

I have not received my decision yet but I have to say that Judge Watson maybe the most compassionate judge that I have ever met . He is really engaged during testimony and he listens to every word . If u are lucky to get this judge I would say your chances are probably 50/50 . He has a poker face so u can't tell one way or the other .

I had my court date on 11-6-2014. My attorney and I were well prepared. My doctors record well documented everything we said impaired me mentally and physically. I have not received the judgement at this time. ILJ Carl B Watson was very nice and he had a tremendous amount of respect for my attorney and I. He was well prepared and already had a lot knowledge about me and my disabilities. He deserves all the respect from anyone who goes before him. Thanks Judge Carl B Watson.

There couldn't be a nicer, understanding, and respectful judge in all of the SS judges. He looked at all of my papers, asked questions, allowed me to explain and in the end wished me the best of luck. If you get him and you are disabled...he will judge you fairly

Judge Frederick McGrath approved my case on yesterday. I believe he's a very witty, smart & compassionate guy....charming & interesting...I may add... My hearing was brief & to the point...The past 21 months of my life has been the most challenging time in my life...happy to know it will get better soon...very thankful I was approved.

I have found this judge to be extremely arrogant and dismissive of claimants. He once told a homeless client that "at least he has a tan." He also found that a schizophrenic client was able to socialize/maintain social functioning by going to church... a church he regularly attended because he thought he was Jesus. Your case could go either way- judge will often ignore numerous documents confirming disability by claiming he didn't find the claimant credible.

I was really nervous going into the hearing. I was told that this judge was a very hard and skeptical judge. She did not at all make me feel uncomfortable, and never was she rude. She was to the point and she seems to look at everything. I have not received my decision yet but I would never speak badly of her either way. These judges don't know you personally. They have only documented facts to go by. Anyone going through anxiety about your hearing... just be yourself and be honest. The judges won't bite you. Thank you to all the judges who hear many stories.

As an attorney, I practice before several Social Security hearings offices and numerous judges throughout the Southeast. My experience with Judge McGrath has been consistently positive, and I have found him to be fair-minded and efficient in his handling of cases where I have appeared before him. While he takes a streamlined, no-nonsense approach to hearings, he appears to do this out of a sense of duty to move his cases efficiently and to minimize delay in resolving claims where claimants have already been required to wait months (or even years) without income leading up to finally getting their day in court.

i saw the judge in april, this is almost august i dont know what my decision was because they wont say they keep saying it is with a writer... i have been waiting since 2012 this is almost two years of life on hold and hurry up and wait, smh.. why does it takes so long in depressed and frustrated... overall the judge seem very sensible but y does it takes so long for decision?

This Judge knows his job. He gets straight to point and does not waste anytime or taxpayers money. He is well prepared. He has an idea of what his decision will be before the hearing. He shows concern about the claimant and takes everything into consideration. He does his job well without hesitation. He can see right through a person if they are full of BS. Great service for the people!

Judge is by far the best ALJ at the ODAR in Montgomery. He reviews - better said - he READS his cases before a hearing. If a case meets the standards of the law, he approves the case without a hearing. He appreciates a well prepared case and a brief. Distinguished in the conduct of a hearing. Projects impartiality. If he denies a case - I do not appeal - I am confident he has fairly studied the case and strictly uses law, regs, SSR's policy - So, know the law before you go in his hearing.

I had my hearing 12/09/13 with judge Frank Klinger everything was going smooth for a while until he got to the Ve. He asked him if i could do my past job and he responded with a yes and the other 2 or 3 hypotheticals he said no to so I was wondering if anyone else got approved that way or not. The judge seems a bit nice but I am scared of the outcome that it may bring. I just hope that I got an approval on my case because I have been denied benefits years ago and never got approved.

My hearing appointment took about 9 months. Judge Langland understood my situation and acknowledged that I had tried to resolve the overpayment thru the Wichita office and I then had to move on to see him to resolve the problem. I had tried and tried to resolve the issue thru the Wichita office but no one listened. The Judge recalculated my account and I had a partial favorable decision. Sadly, the powers now are not complying to his order or decision, and the Missouri office has written me 3 times in a month. Each letter indicates there is more than one person on my case, and so far out of the loop. But, no one signs the letters, so I do not have a name to complain. One letter states my W.C. does not affect my S.S. I have not been on W.C. since 2007. Judge Langland seemed fair in my case, the bad part is someone is not following or enforcing his decision. I do not know what to do now, trying to go back to see the judge. It is bad when the Judge makes a decision, and then the decision is not honored by the SSA staff in the Missouri office. I feel totally harassed by the staff in the office.

Judge Langland looked at what he wanted to see not at the evidence as a whole. Sure I made statements from time to time that I was doing ok. But those times are short lived. He gave more weight to a Psychologist who Ive never met than Dr.s who have treated me for 10+ years. He held it against me that I took my last dime to try and open and run a shop but failed to realize I left the shop because I couldn't handle the stress and **** near had a nervous breakdown over it. He commented that I had no periods of de-compensation which is a blatant falsehood. Anyone who knows me can tell you Ive been unemployed a lot more than employed. I have service related PTSD and Major reoccurring bouts of depression. My whole life is a total wreck. I want nothing more than to work and be normal but I fail at every attempt. I just want to run and hide away in dark places alone. I have stress disorder which makes my brain trigger fight or flight responses. I beg to be normal but Im not and ive faced that reality. Yes people do make positive statements to their Psychiatrists not because we are magically healed but because we have good days and bad. I try and try and want people to see me as ok but in the end Im not ok. My life has been one disaster after another. I hope he can sleep at night knowing he didn't even listen to his own vocational expert. Thanks Mr. Langland for seeing what you wanted to see not the whole story. Ill be filing an appeal immediately.

my first claim was DENIED by this alj, even though he stated in his decision that i did in fact have two severe impairments.. of course the AC kept his ruling intact and my atty filed in federal court. well here it is 6 1/2 yrs from initial filing and 3 yrs after it was denied at appeals council and taken to fdc, my claim was remanded due to ERROR by the alj for NOT giving my treating doctors RFC any weight and going by what the ssa med examiner (which i never saw to begin with)said at some point before my initial denial (which only took a few months to get)..my hearing was NOT that quick, and also we waited for at least 15-20 minutes before hearing started as the VE was LATE. mind you judge started without the VE, and he finally arrived about 10 minutes before my hearing was over..he heard me answer the last 2 question is all. yet the judge took his opinion that there were thousands of jobs in the national economy within our region that i could do?? i am like the rest of you, i believe he has his mind made up before you go in the door...well, he messed up on this one and now i get a new hearing and hopefully with another judge

Just the type judge we need. Doing his part not to bankrupt the country. Im sure every case thinks they are justified. That not true!!!! Make an appeal if you dont like the outcome!!!! Thank God he is not just a rubber stamp. We need someone with backbone to say No!!!Keep up the good work!!!!

Our office has had numerous hearings with Judge McGrath. He has a reputation for scheduling several hearings at the same time and taking them on a first come/first served basis; will start early if you get there early; does NOT like submission of medical records on the day of the hearing. Generally does not ask for opening; lets rep do most of questioning and just cuts in when he has a question. I think he often has a good idea of how he feels about a case and uses the hearing to see if it changes his mind. His award rate is not out of line, so he's not denying everything that comes through the room. (Claimants need to understand it isn't the number of pages of records you have, but how well the opinions are supported by clinical evidence, diagnositic testing and your own credibility).

This judge is so unfair and is denying disability to people that cannot posibly work. It is shocking, that this can happen in America. If their is any way to stop him, please do. He is a criminal judge, and should be in prison. He is creating _ injury to welfare system in kansas. Many are suffering, please help !

Went before the judge today. he seemed fair and respectful lawyers do very little for what they maket don't think if you hire a TV lawyer that they will be the who you get they send a young flunky lawyer that you don't meet until 10 min before court

Yes he has mind made up before the hearing. He schedules way too many hearings on one given day and they are conducted to quick. Rarely uses a VE. The Jacksonville ODAR is filled with fairly negative ALJs.

I had my hearing in front of this judge on 3-7-2013. I was very nervous going in with not knowing what to expect. I read the reviews on this site and was really scared of going in for my hearing. But I have to say that this judge is very respectful. Although I do not know the decision made on my case, I do not think that there is a better judge that you could want. He was very nice, respectful, prepared, and listened to everything my attorney and I had to say.

Judge Frederick McGrath claimed he could not read the RFC filled out by my doctor because "the doctor's handwriting was not completely legible and his signature was indistinguishable." There were approximately 30 cases he ruled on before he saw me the day of my hearing and it seemed like he had already made up his mind on each case before the people even entered the courtroom. He wrote about my mental health in his official ruling even though my claim was entirely a physical case with all of my mental health issues (depression because I am unable to work) being a direct result of my physical disability.

I was denied even though I have more than 4,000 pages of medical records, dozens of doctors supporting my claim and submitting written statements, and the court-appointed vocational expert testified that there was not a job I was suitable to do. Mcgrath ruled against this suggestion and said I could do a job that did not require standing, sitting, working with my hands, concentration, memory, interaction with people, and would allow me to lie down for extended periods of time each hour. I also require a caretaker (who is writing this message as I am unable to do so) on a fulltime basis to feed, cloth, bathe, drive, make appointments and manage my dr. schedule, clean, cook, and take care of basically all of my needs/activities of daily living.
He made the decision in less than 5 minutes and asked me less than 10 quick questions. His decision was overturned on appeal and has been sent back to be heard in court for a second time. I first applied for disability in 1999 and have spent the last 6 years appealing his ruling. I am going back to court in the next 6 months or so and will let you know who I get and the judgement.

This judge is cold-hearted and has no empathy for mental illness claimants. He not only called three psychiatrist and a social security psychologist, two primary doctors liars but me as well. His problem is since he can't see the illness physically then you can work. I believe he wants me to go out in the workplace and have one of my mental breakdowns whereby I hurt someone or vice-versa for him to see that a person that suffers with bipolar I & II are very moody people who can't always control themselves. I also suffer with manic depression, PSTD, social anxiety, anxiety, claustophic, panic attacks, OCD, high blood pressure, asthma, bronchitis, heart disease,etc. I am a 50 year old black female who has worked 30 years of her life always giving and caring for others. I have attempted suicide twice because I am my wits end. It took almost 4 years for this unfair system to tell me no I don't qualify for sdi in which I paid into the system. I guess, I will have to prove to this ### and the rest of them that I refuse to let others come here and live off of me when they never worked a day in this country.

i have 10lb lift restriction,cant sit or stand over 15min at a time,two herniated disc L4-L5 and L5 s-1,nerve damage in right shoulder,nerve damage in back,i have to use a cain and back brace,migraines,anxiety and depression im sure i missed something but with all this he denied my disability GOD only knows why i wonder want else has to be wrong with me to get help!!!!

I am so greatful to Judge Shaughnessy for her approving my Soc Sec Disability this time last year. She saw through the negatives of my case & recognized that my set of challenges warranted an approval. I just don't know where i'd be medically as well as socially if this had not occurred. The income has helped to adjust to a somewhat debilitating situation & now i can purchase all my meds without taking half doses or skipping. As far as i'm concerned Judge Candace Shaughnessy is an angel in disguise. She certainly was an instrument of God's grace! I shall never stop thanking God enough for her ruling. I wish she & her family the most perfect Christmas a family can have, can i do any less! Thank you for allowing me to share what's been in my heart for a year now. Happy Holiday!

What a hoot! Seems to have his mind made up by the time we sit down. Holds 6 minute hearings. Gives great weight to RFCs. Somewhat of a "Nero" approach, either thumbs up or thumbs down, without excessive narrative. Does not like substance use or middle aged women with mental health issues.

although judge edison wasnt my judge I understand your frustration my hearing was june 20th and I havent recieved a decision letter in the mail yet. My conditions is left leg ampuation, psoriatic arthritis, and post tramatic stress syndrome. now if that doesnt qualify as disabled after i worked many years in the workforce then what would? I often think the same thing you guys do. what does it take to get approved roll in there on a hospital bed or a wheelchair. however my judge was extremely nice and seemed interested in my case but the low approval rates they have speak for themselves

This ALJ barely even looked at me during my hearing (June 2012) and never reviewed any medical findings after July 2011, which confirm my diagnosis. Also he basically said I was a liar and therefore denied me any disability benifits at all. I am on 19 prescribed medications, I can barely function while taken them, they have impaired my thinking skills. I also have hyper somnia, means I sleep for hours at any given time of day, but somehow that evidence was not in his report. If I was pushed in to the hearing in a wheel chair with drool hanging from my mouth, maybe he would believe me. But since I am an upbeat person ( to hide all the crap on the inside)he sees me as functional. I have good days and I have bad days , some days I have no pain and other days all I have is pain. I'm a mixed bag-who in their right mind would hire a person like myself? I can't sit or stand for too long, i can only do minimal light non-thinkinh kind of work, I will fall asleep on the job, I will forget the task I've been given and wander the office. I would get fired within a week, that or get that special baseball helmet for my head. this man infuriates me

Hi this is Janie again i am still waiting my decision i did get news that it has already been placed with a writer i cant wait to get my decision i hope it is favorable i need this so i can properly support my children i wanted to thank Judge Martin for being so nice and making me someone with lots of mental issues comfortable enogh to be able to tell my story thanks again for listening!!!
P.S. I know the next person that recieves him as a Judge on their case will feel the same for him.

I am still waiting now but i have no doubt he is a good judge either way i still think he is cool its been a very hard road for me with disability but he will make the right decision for me and still not knowing the outcome of my hearing how ever it turns out i still have the upmost respect for him!!!!!

I am still waiting now but i have no doubt he is a good judge either way i still think he is cool its been a very hard road for me with disability but he will make the right decision for me and still not knowing the outcome of my hearing how ever it turns out i still have the upmost respect for him!!!!!

judge martin is so nice something about him the day of my hearing he was very into everything i had to say and like my other post said it does not matter if he does not award me i will still respect him he was not mean in anyway to me his job has to be hard and i would not like to have to decide something like that daily because naturally when people do not get what they wanted or expected they then suddenly do not like you on the other hand if you were to get what you wanted you would love him but in this world things do not lways go the way that you would like sorry you had a bad day and i hope all works out for you in the end!!!

i am still waiting the results of my hearing with judge martin i think he was very nice and made me feel as if he was listening to everything i had to say and taking it into consideration he seemed interested and caring and no matter how my case turns out and what decision i get i will still have respect for him because he was listening and he has a job to do that has to be very difficult to see who is actually disabled or just trying to collect so i will had it to him they do what they think is best and if denied and you are truly disabled i encourage you to take it that extra step i do not think the judges are looking at anyone and acting as if they are lying under oath but just simply trying to find weather the conditions meet the ssa codes good luck to everyone and very much luck for those who truly need it!!!

i have been waiting for two yrs on my hearing , and have barely made it i have a legitament reason for not being able to work , i havent complaind about waiting because im not the only one who waites , i really didnt expect to be treated like a lier right out of the box , it was demeaning , and degrading , ive earnd the right to benefit from social security ive paid my dues , personally i dont know the man , he treated me like i was a crook and thats all i have to say